Madonna Turns 65, So Naturally We Rank Her 65 Best Songs
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Producer Patrick Leonard enjoys telling the story of Madonna writing the lyrics to "Live To Tell" in a notebook while sitting on her living room floor. The demo vocals, also recorded on an 8-track turntable at Leonard's home, are cover versions of hits from the 1986 album True Blue.
It's easy to forget that in addition to her lion dance moves, clever sex sales, and chameleon-like maneuvers to stay relevant, Madonna is a songwriter with an innate penchant for swagger.
It was one of the elite few hits from five different decades, including No. 1 hits. No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, these songs regularly set the agenda. Whether you call it techno, autotune pop, galvanic country, Latin disco or contemporary, Madonna is usually the only one that's hot and the rest follow her.
On the occasion of her 65th birthday, we pay tribute to Madonna Louise Ciccone, who will be remembered on stage during the Celebration Tour, and for her incredible catalogue, which ranks 65th for her greatest songs.
65. Bitch I'm Madonna with Nicki Minaj (2015)
There is no other way than Madonna to tell you how wonderful it is to be Madonna. For example, during their Gold Tooth prep period, which coincided with the release of Rebel Heart, Madonna and producer Diplo turned Minaj's raspy voice into rubbery synths until Minaj went to work and told those who wouldn't they did: “I ordered, me.” Hell, this is not a lottery, I'm a winner, of course, I read about Madonna.
64. "Best Friend" (2012)
Though it begins with an icy machine gun beat, it's quickly apparent from the lyrics that this EDM-infused MDNA track is a sad tale of Madonna missing someone to make her laugh and write poetry. But he admits that while he misses the good times, "but not all of them."
63. Punky Bandana (1990)
Inspired by her role as Breathless Mahoney in Dick Tracy, Madonna drew on the dominant musical styles of the 1930s movie scene (jazz and swing) and created a stylish image to match. Only the queen of pop, as uncompromising as ever, could sell her "not so pretty" line without sounding (too) ridiculous.
62. "He Died a Day Later" (2002)
The sleek electronics differ from the stunning James Bond theme (we prefer to mix it up with grandeur), but on repeat listens there's something enchanting about the cool design.
61st holiday (2009)
Released as one of two new tracks from his self-titled greatest hits album, club hits co-producer Paul Oakenfold polished off a nod to '80s pop hits and invites unabashed indulgence.
60. Gimme 2 (2008)
With its West African percussion jingles and swirling rhythms, the song is instantly recognizable by the fingerprints of Pharrell Williams, who wrote and co-produced it. The "stupid" rants in the middle of the song are repetitive and stupid, but they also stick in your head.
59. "I Love New York" (2005)
The title of the album Dance Floor Confessions on a Dance Floor is something of a Valentine to the city where his career was born. "No city has made me happier than New York," says Madonna (note: Randy Newman), describing the city as a place where only the strong survive.
58. "Erotic" (1992)
Madonna's taboo-breaking fifth self-titled album melds pop and hip-hop, and the single combines bold flavors. Adopting the image of a mistress, Madonna boldly and experimentally uses lyrics about sadomasochism. A track that was truly ahead of its time.
57. "She's Not Me" (2008)
In the spirit of her album Hard Candy—a little funk, a little disco, a little R&B—Madonna eschews big guitar riffs and chopping beats, reminding us that her hair and outfit can be mimicked, but there's only one way. madonna.
56. "Love Doesn't Live Here Anymore" (1984)
This cover of Rose Royce's 1978 ballad "Like a Virgin" is an anomaly, along with the synth-pop on the rest of the album. Although the song never became a hit, it prompted Madonna to record with a live orchestra for the first time, and the incredible script made it an emotional performance.
55th Player (1985)
The song "Crazy For You", which became a hit in several countries but not in the US because it was never released as a single, became part of the Vision Quest soundtrack and was part of the mood happy of the young Madonna. Fans often complain that the haunting dance track, only available on the soundtrack, expects too much. In December 2022, Madonna made the song available to streaming services.
54. Wild Heart (2015)
With acoustic guitar, strings and a full choir, the title track of his 13th album reflects his emotional resilience. The subdued staging highlights Madonna's autobiographical lyrics, who still can't stop her father's voice from punishing her maverick views.
53. Love Goes Around the World (1986)
Madonna debuted her cheeky drummer, her first collaboration with producer Patrick Leonard, at Live Aid before the song ended with "True Blue."
52. The Power of Parting (1998)
Often compared (not unfairly) to "Frozen" for their sonic similarities, the electronic ballad features Madonna singing about the power of letting go and a lesson ("Pain is a warning that something is wrong"). The mournful chorus boasts one of the thinnest voices in their extensive catalogue.
51. Human Nature (1994)
"Express yourself, don't push yourself," he repeatedly whispered at the beginning of the song, creating a powerful TLC-like scene. Two years ago, Madonna was openly upset about the rejection of her Sex book, Erotica album and Body of Evidence movie: "Oh, I didn't know you couldn't talk about sex."
50. Burnt (1983)
Slightly scratchy guitars and energetic rhythms are not what it takes to become superstars. But what this first single from Madonna's self-titled debut stands out is the rare kind of sexual energy, charm and lyrical delivery that combine to create an icon.
49. Earn My Love (1990)
Breathless and throbbing, Frank revels as he narrates his anthology of singles, The Immaculate Collection, with sultry lyrics that Madonna co-wrote with Lenny Kravitz and Ingrid Chavez with a powerful beat. Do not lie to me. You know what interests you.
48. "Sinking World / Love's Replacement" (1998)
The opening track of her album Ray of Light slowly recounts the changes in Madonna's life in recent years, including the birth of her daughter Lourdes, participation in the film Evita, and learning Kabbalah. Loss. Released at the age of 40, the song marked Madonna's entry into middle age.
47. Medellin with Maluma (2019)
Forget Madonna's quirky image of Madonna for her 14th album (Madame, of course. An evocative triumph that once again proves the magic of the Madonna genre.
46. "American Life" (2003)
No, it's not a patriotic anthem, but a powerful song, both lyrically and vocally, about the superficiality of American culture ("I've got a lawyer and a manager and an agent and a cook/Three babysitters and an assistant and a driver." and Jet Plane"). Not the most sophisticated or melodic Madonna tune: the beats are strong, but the rapping is... well... yeah. But the moments deserve attention.
45. "Another suitcase in another room" (1996)
Originally written by Barbara Dixon in 1976, the melodic breath of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's "Evita" thrives on Madonna's uplifting vocals, backed by mostly calm acoustic guitar and a compelling sax solo.
44. I'm Sorry (2005)
You've heard it all before, don't waste time with empty excuses. However, if that means this gem is slowly turning into a disco beat, keep apologizing.
43. "Everything" (1983)
The song that introduced Madonna to the world. It is wonderful? Hardly, given the mediocre beats, tiny-for-its-time keyboards, and lyrics that try to get up and dance. But like "Burning Up," Madonna exudes feminine charm. Talk about evolution.
42. Deeper and Deeper (1992)
With the second single from Madonna's album "Erotica," she enters familiar territory: a mix of dance house, disco pop, peppered with Vogue references and flamenco guitar parts. This is a fleeting moment of lightness.
41. "4 Minutes" with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland (2008)
Back when Timberlake was cool, Madonna wisely chose him and his famous producer Timbaland as the first artists to feature on one of her singles. The neat composition belies lyrics about environmental protection and other social ills.
40. "Respect" (1989)
Along with the title track, "True Blue," this is probably the most innocent Madonna song you'll ever hear. And that voice -so sweet, so happy, so open- of a woman in love.
39. "Grandpa" (1989)
Madonna was the most vulnerable, having a hard time coming to terms with the loss of her mother (who died when Madonna was five years old) and the difficult relationship with her father. Piano, strings and violin provide structure, but it's Madonna's raspy voice that cautiously sings, "Now you can't hurt me."
38. Hollywood (2003)
Madonna taps into the stereotype of people who come to Hollywood looking for fame, using cynicism, compressed voices and glossy covers as weapons to break the illusion.
37. "Undercover" (1994)
Created by producer Dallas Austin (TLC's Gwen Stefani), Bedtime Stories ranges from an acoustic guitar-based base to an R&B-inspired heartbeat. Madonna rides the beat with ease.
36. Shut Up (2005)
What is the best way to create catchy disco pop songs? ABBA example. Interpretation of the instrumental "Gimme!" from the queen of Swedish pop. Give to me! Give to me! (Man After Midnight)” brings modern disco classics to life. ABBA songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus rarely grant permission to use the band's music. , they know they have the winning hand.
35. "I'm against the music" with Britney Spears (2003)
Though technically a Spears single (from her In the Zone album), the funky dance-pop collaboration by Madonna, one of the song's many collaborators, isn't a feature. Madonna takes the bridge (“Hey Britney, you said you wanted to lose control…”) and exudes a cool maturity.
34. "Fever" (1992)
Suffice to say that Little Willie John, the R&B artist behind the 1956 original, and even Peggy Lee, who appropriated the original, probably never thought "Fever" would become a stylish dance anthem, given Madonna's makeup. . .
33. True Blue (1986)
With hints of doo-wop and Motown (Madonna grew up near Detroit), the song is a burst of syncopated joy. Inspired by her recent marriage to Sean Penn, Madonna emulated one of her favorite quotes about her titular love interest.
32. "Rain" (1992)
Compared to the fuller offerings on the Erotica album, this fluffy R&B ballad is more radio-ready. Madonna uses the rain as a metaphor: she washes away sadness and pain to erase everything.
31. Nothing Matters (1999)
While not as uptempo as her entire Ray of Light album, the release's sixth single is notable for its ambient electronica, but rather for Madonna's understanding of the shift in perspective that comes with motherhood: "Now when I grow up, Everything changes." / I will never change. because of you again
30. Don't cry for me, Argentina (1996)
The controversy surrounding Madonna's performance as Eva Perón in the film adaptation of Evita will continue. But when it comes to the lavish opening of the Lloyd Webber/Rice anthem during the famous balcony scene, Madonna hits the nail on the head with sensational restraint.
29. "Angel" (1984)
A little synthesizer pushed the third single from "Like a Virgin". Madonna said that the song is about her belief in angels due to her Catholic upbringing, but the lyrics also lean towards romantic love ("I believe dreams do come true because you came when I expected them").
28. "Cause a Fight" (1987)
Madonna told Rolling Stone magazine that the contribution to the song "Who's That Girl" was written out of frustration over her strained marriage to Sean Penn. He feels that she is deliberately distracting him, hence the powerful dance song "Causing a Huddle".
27. "Beautiful Foreign Woman" (1999)
Madonna's penchant for a psychedelic sound earned her the lead single from the soundtrack, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Dreamy vocals, drum loops and guitar effects combine to create a mesmerizing performance.
26. Dress Up (1984)
The latest single from Like a Virgin, produced by Nile Rodgers, is packed with dance-pop. Madonna oozes charm as she makes sly sexual advances with a childish smile.
25. "I Will Remember" (1994)
Madonna proves (once again) that she's about more than sex by taming her posterotic image for a melancholic ballad on the Honor movie soundtrack. The lyrics sound sweet, an expression of thanks to those who helped him find his way, and the keyboard vibrates in the background.
24. "Who's That Girl" (1987)
Madonna is a movie star and soundtrack director at the same time. The title track, while maintaining a mystical aura, even awakens her love for Latin American pop music, including lyrics in English and Spanish.
23. Mad About You (1985)
The smash hit from the soundtrack, "Vision Quest," was also Madonna's first foray into adult modernism. The prom ballad not only climbed the charts, it went to number one on the charts. This earned her a second Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 and her first Grammy nomination (losing to Whitney Houston's "Saving All My Love For You" for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance).
22. What a Girl Feels (2000)
The album's highlight, "Music," is hardly a new track for Madonna, its powerful narrative of the double standards women live by and its explicit treatment of the illusion of female inferiority. But the words framed by the blurry keyboard are softly engraved.
21. "That Was My Playground" (1992)
Recorded during breaks from the "Erotic" sessions, Madonna transitions from the album's exhilarating tracks to pure introspection, starring in "A League of Their Own." Reflective ballad that plunges into sadness and nostalgia and will leave a mark on your heart.
20. Live to Tell (1986)
The song was written in a notebook on the floor of producer Patrick Leonard's home and was written by Madonna recording demo vocals on an 8-track player at home. It was so good and so emotionally satisfying that the first recording flopped. It reached number one on the Adult Contemporary chart, and was also included on the soundtrack to her albums At Close Range and True Blue.
19. Don't Tell Me (2000)
The stuttering country guitar that opens the song is so characteristic of Madonna's voice that as soon as the hi-hats and kick drums kick in, it's clear she's on a new musical journey. But lyrically he remains reserved.
18. Material Girl (1994)
Is the term "Material Girl" no longer appropriate for Madonna? is a synth-pop song with sponge keyboards and lyrics about how she desires a man who can only understand her eternal greed.
17. Frozen (1998)
Layering the song in layers of theatrical synths, like "Drowned World/Substitute for Love," Madonna creates a cinematic setting to support her eerie, gritty lyrics: "You're so amazed at how much you've got/Wasted. Time with hate and regret.
16. Vacation (1983)
An energetic bop that is purely for relaxation. What is not appreciated?
15. "Where's the party?" (1986)
The combination of unfiltered joy on the dance floor and glorious discretion makes Madonna, while having fun, also understand: "I think I belong to the adults, I have to end this."
14. "You'll See" (1995)
The dramatic opening—musical instruments, strumming guitars and a terrifyingly beating heart—signals Madonna's courage as she methodically prepares to make one of her most profound declarations of independence. Co-written with David Foster, this magnificent ballad is unwavering in its conviction.
13. Lucky Star (1983)
With a cascade of synthetic tones and shimmering melodies, Madonna continues her relationship with the world. One look at references to the nursery rhyme "Starlight, Brighter the Star" suggests that Madonna, writing lyrics on a yellow legal pad and composing music on a Casiotone keyboard, already has some nifty ideas. .
12. The Beautiful Island (1986)
Madonna's first Latin American song was originally recorded by Patrick Leonard as an instrumental demo for Michael Jackson. «Куинси (Джонс) позвонил мне и сказал: «Я хочу сделать что-то вроде Sade для Майкла», — сказал Leonar from USA TODAY. Джексон отверг песню, Мадона взяла ее, добавила текст, и песня стала для нее 11-y в Billboard Hot. 100. вошел в пятерку лучших .
11. "Musika" (2000)
Заглавный трек его восьмого студийного альбома начинаеTSя с обращения к танцполу («Эй, мистер ди-джей , zapi syvay…»). Поверх гитарных партий and мощной фанковой кости Мадона вплетает свой обработанный elektronic vocal в пр ост ую и Universal theme: Музыка объединяет людей.
10. "Granitsa" (1983)
Сладко-соленый синти-pop-хит стал ее первым синглом в десятke лучших в США. Некоторые говорят, что это намек на секс, но двадцатилетней Мадоне пришлось объяснять своему ка валеру, что это лучшее, что они могли получить, так что, если этого недостаточно, двигайтесь да льше.
9. "God's Love" (1984)
Для своего второго альбома Мадонна должна выглядеть смело. Tak pochemu бы не кататься в гондоле на кресте, напевая о потере девственности? Ему следует обратить внимание. Переломный момент в ее карьере пришелся на струнные клавишные, пронзительный вокал и припев, на всегда укор It is new to the story pop-musky.
8. "V Peace" (1985)
Когда Мадона поет «ночью я запираю дверь, чтобы никто не видел», это обычно означает нечто иное , чем та нец. If you're interested in this, ask for it in the final movie. м, что чувствовать ritm — это normalno.
7. "Love of my life" (1989)
Несмотря на жемчужную реакцию на ее video, разрушающее стигму, гимн Мадонны, ломающий гра ницы, си гнализируе т об изменении направления с более зрелыми наклонностями. Наряду с литургической лирикой, "Like a Prayer" обычный pop-phon.
6. "Virazy Sebya" (1989)
Продолжая свой путь во взрослую жизнь, Мадона самым восхительным образом способствует расширению п ра в и возможностей на ложе причудливых elektroнnyх барабанов. Принятие и чувство собственного достоинства – вот ключи, которыми вешает Мадона, а кто еще любит атла сные prosti ni?
5. "Poclonis" (1994)
Сингл «Сказки на ночь» остается ее самой элегантной песней. В соавторстве с Babyface en написан y спродюсирован, en сользит по струнам y клавиатуре. «Otkuda я знала, что ты собираешься разбить мне сердце?» — сказала Мадонна, прощаясь со своим бойфрендом, который принял ее как должное.
4. «Dozhdü sveta» (1998)
Заглавный трек седьмого альбома Мадонны, сверхновый звук, probudil в ней новые музыкаль ные иерес ы: electronic, technical pop and triple pop. The adrenaline-pumping and unbelievable rock in Sochetan is the last debut of the pop-5 Billboard Hot 100 chart by reviews я маленьким кусочком рая.
3. "Dad, no propoveduy" (1986)
Be sure to check out MTV. Конечно, со слов, беременная внебрачная девочка-подросток держит ребенка, no ох, как это все стыдно. Мадоне ловко удается одновременно оскорблять как сторонников абортов, так и противников абортов, следу я бодром у хлопку, обеспечиваемому размашистой струнной секцией.
2. "Fashion" (1990)
This was not tantesevalnye pesni, which was sohranilished as a cultural probnye, tantsewald no two Is there a little girl soon? Мелодиями, такими же гладкими, как штаны Мадонны, "Vogue" очаровывает. And in this case the proiznosimogo slova upominatsya imena Zolotogo sees Gollivuda (Greta Garbo, Mar lon Brando, Maril in Mono)? Учитывая, что Бейонсе отдала ей дань уважения в «Break My Soul» более 30 лет спустя, это говорит о ее бесс мертии .
1. "Otkroy svoe serdze" (1986)
net. pulses taynoy strasty. Пятая песня Мадонны 1 подчеркивает ее способность вплетать кусочки сатиры в ткань своих произвед ений нас только озорно, что вы часто не понимаеTE истинного замысла песни. Смешайте это с забавными случайными нажайными and проворной клавиатурой, and in результате получит ся потря са ющее кондитерское изделие размером с укус.
